Some questions:

#1 Astro Vans were rear-wheel drive, right? (if no, ingore the rest)

#2 What was stock hp/tq?

#3 What were production years?

#4 Anyone drawn up an engine swap tutorial for it?

#5 If the answer to #4 is no, anyone know if it will fit? Would I have to change the computer out?

Any other comments?

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1985 Camaro SC - 2.8L, auto.

http://www.xenodrgn.f2s.com/Frontright.jpg

 

You mind as well put a V8 in it.

The 4.3 is a 90 degree block, just like a V8.
The 2.8 is a 60 degree block.

You would have to change the tranny anyway to one that bolts up to a 90 degree. You would have to change the ECM . Upgrading your cooling system would have to be done anyway as well.

Just put a 350 in and gain 90 cubes over the 4.3 with the same amount of work.

 

I did a similar swap to my '83 malibu wagon but I had to convert to TBI which required a new ECM and harness. Ironically, I had to use an astrovan ECM. It's pretty much like swapping in a V8. If you already have the 4.3 then go ahead, I never regretted it even though some suggested a v8. One place that can definately make your transistion alot smoother is Howel-EFI- http://www.howell-efi.com/
They'll be able to answer all your questions since they do these types of projects all the time.

Hope this helps

 

89ragtop, My tranny is going anyway, so it's not that big of a deal.

As for just putting in a 350, I think thats what I'm going to do. The reason why I ask is because my best friends mother owns an Astro Van with over 200K on it, and the engine is starting to tick, so she's getting rid of it. I was going to try and con her into her giving me the van, and then I could pull the engine and build the motor up, and swap it in (and then try and sell a 2.8litre Astro Van... lol, it runs great though!)

Oh well, if only I had money, and a place where I could find 350's and associated swap materials and notes.

Thanks anyway.

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1985 Camaro SC - 2.8L, auto.

http://www.xenodrgn.f2s.com/Frontright.jpg

 

Used to drive a astro and a safari van with the 4.3L.... was a fast lil van when ya wanted some fun... Actually quite surprising.

 

You would have loads of fun slipping in a 3.4 into your package. Plus, you can have better air inlet system then my Firebird. Start scouting the yards.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA